Blossoming fruit trees and rolling green hills were the backdrop for the Birds and the Bees and the Flowers in the Trees Trail Walk hosted Arbor Day at the Kimmel Education and Research Center.

UNL Extension Educator Vaughn Hammond led the tour and shared his predictions for the harvest based on the current blooms on the trees.

The apple trees’ blossoms are in full swing, which bodes well for the harvest if the weather cooperates for the growing season. Although there will be peaches and cherries to enjoy this season, the crop may be less than bumper as early spring cold temperatures have resulted in fewer blossoms on those trees, said Hammond.

Other fruits are getting off to a great start at the orchard, including strawberries and blackberries, among others.

Vegetables will also be abundant this year as a vegetable garden and pumpkin patch are in the works.

And, of course, flowers will be blooming all season.

While Hammond said he focuses on educating entrepreneurs on growing fruits for the local market, he said he also appreciates the flowers that provide “food for the soul.”

Kimmel Orchard has 2.5 miles of trails that are open for the public to enjoy at no charge, and Hammond encourages people to enjoy the walk.

See the News-Press for a related story about the history of the fruit industry in southeast Nebraska and more from the Trail Walk.